What does the term "rebalancing" refer to in retirement portfolios?

Rebalancing refers to the process of adjusting the proportions of different asset classes in a retirement portfolio to maintain a desired level of risk and asset allocation over time. As market conditions change, the value of various investments can fluctuate, which may cause the initial asset allocation—such as the mix of stocks, bonds, and cash—to drift from its target.

Regular rebalancing helps ensure that the portfolio remains aligned with the investor's risk tolerance and long-term financial goals. For instance, if stocks perform well and their value increases significantly, they may comprise a larger percentage of the portfolio than intended, which could increase risk beyond the investor's comfort level. By rebalancing, an investor would sell a portion of the stocks to buy bonds or cash equivalents, thus restoring the original balance and helping to manage risk effectively.

Overall, rebalancing not only helps in maintaining the desired risk exposure but can also enhance long-term returns by taking advantage of market fluctuations and systematically buying low and selling high.